APPROVEDThe 1488 Regular Meeting of the City Council was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Brent Teske.
Present were Ms. Williams, Ms. Smith, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Beach, Mr. Armstrong, Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer Jackie Powell and City Administrator Jim Hammons. City Attorney Dean Chisholm and City Clerk Audray McCollum were absent.
Prayer was offered by Tom Cole.
Mrs. Williams MADE A MOTION to approve the minutes from council meeting #1486 held on January 16, 2018.
Ms. Smith SECOND.
Mrs. Williams made a spelling correction on page 2 bi laws was changed to by laws and on page 3, bread was changed to breed.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED
Ms. Williams MADE A MOTION to approve the minutes from council meeting # 1487 held on February 5, 2018.
Mr. Armstrong SECOND.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED
Announcements:
None
Committee Reports:
Cemetery/Parks: None.
Fire: Kevin Miller Construction is repairing roof damage in the fire hall kitchen. The damage was caused by water leaking around the roof vent.
Police: None.
Resolutions/Ordinances: None.
Lights/Streets/Sidewalks: None.
Building: None.
Water/Sewer: None.
Personnel: None.
Budget: None.
Finance: None.
City Administrator: Mr. Hammons reported the pressure inducer went out on the hydro generator last week. The generator is fixed and generating power.
KRDC: Mr. Zimmerman said there was discussion at the February meeting about the Way Finding signs, Gate Way entry signs and potential grants.
City County Board of Heath: On the agenda to interview and possibly appoint a new board member.
Public Comment on Non- Agenda Items:
None:
New Business:
Bob Henline Kootenai Country Montana open container request (Chain Saw Carving Championship):
• Mineral Ave. from the north end of Fourth Street to the Turn-around, allowing a transit lane for access to the Amtrak station.
• Second Street from California Avenue to Montana Avenue.
• Beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept 20, 2018; ending at 10p.m Sunday, Sept 23, 2018.
The area will be cordoned-off area for the duration of the event.
Mr. Zimmerman MADE A MOTION to allow the open container request from Kootenai County Montana for the chain saw carving contest.
Mr. Beach SECOND.
Mr. Armstrong questioned the hours and wanted to know if they would be continuous?
Mayor Teske asked Mr. Henline if he would be opposed to amending the time to 8am – 2am each day. Mr. Henline said he would not.
Ms. Williams asked if there would be security at the event. Mr. Henline said there would be.
Council discussion followed.
Mr. Henline and council amended the open container time to 8am -6pm, Sept 21, 22 and 23 2018.
Public Comment:
DC Orr, 1117 Nevada, asked if the event would have event insurance. Mayor Teske said that it would have event insurance.
Williams, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
Smith RECUSED
MOTION PASSED
Bob Henline street closure request for Sunday, May 27, 2018 (Wounded Warrior Weekend):
• Lincoln Boulevard from Louisiana Avenue to Mineral Avenue from 9a.m. until 11 a.m.
• Mineral Avenue from Lincoln Boulevard to Second Street from 10a.m. until 11:30a.m.
• Second Street from Mineral Avenue Avenue to California Avenue from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30a.m.
Ms. Smith MADE a MOTION to grant the street closure request.
Mr. Armstrong SECOND.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Interview and appoint City Council Member.
Three candidates for the position were in attendance Mr. William Holcomb, Mr. Hugh Taylor and Mr. D.C Orr to replace Mrs. Angel Ford. Mayor Teske asked the candidates to join City Administrator Jim Hammons in the back and they would be summoned one at a time to express their interest in why they would like to be on Libby City Council.
The First candidate to speak was William Holcomb, 213 West Balsam St. Mayor Teske asked if Mr. Holcomb had been a resident of the City of Libby for 60 days. Mr. Holcomb said he had. Mayor Teske stated Mr. Holcomb’s background check was good. Mayor Teske asked Mr. Holcomb if there was anything in his background that he wanted to disclose. Mr. Holcomb said he did not.
Mr. Holcomb’s family has lived in Libby for four generations; he has a lot of interest in Libby. He is a substitute teacher and works at the athletic club. Mr. Holcomb would like to get involved with local government.
Members of the council were then allowed to asked Mr. Holcomb questions. Mr. Zimmerman asked what strong points Mr. Holcomb could bring to the council. Mr. Holcomb said he gets along well with people, that he is open and honest; he is very organized and wants to learn.
Ms. Smith asked if Mr. Holcomb was involved in any community services. Mr. Holcomb said he is involved with his church and has volunteered with children at the rifle range.
Mr. Beach asked what the city should improve on. Mr. Holcomb said jobs. Mr. Beach asked what would be the cities role to move that forward. Mr. Holcomb said he does not know that process, he is willing to learn.
Mr. Armstrong asked if there was a special interest in running for council. Mr. Holcomb said he has wanted to run for government to have a say, he likes having responsibility, works well under pressure and being held accountable. Mr. Armstrong thanked Mr. Holcomb.
The second candidate to speak was Hugh Taylor, 1519 Utah. Mayor Teske asked if Mr. Taylor had been a resident of the City of Libby for 60 days. Mr. Taylor said he had. Mayor Teske stated that Mr. Taylor’s background check was good. Mayor Teske asked Mr. Taylor if there was anything in his background that he wanted to disclose. Mr. Taylor said there was not. Mr. Taylor was born and raised in Libby; graduated from school in Libby went on to the Marines. Served on the Libby Fire Department for ten years, and was treasurer for four years. Mr. Taylor has worked as service manager at several places and has experience with expenditures, budgets and finance.
Mr. Armstrong asked what talents Mr Taylor could add to the council. Mr. Taylor has been a manager for over ten years and is good with the public. He could offer a new outlook .Mr. Armstrong asked what would make Libby attractive for a new resident moving to town. Mr. Taylor said Libby needs to clean up the debris coming into town.
Ms. Williams asked if Mr. Taylor had any interest in any committee work. Mr. Taylor said has an interest in sewer, water and streets.
Mr. Beach asked what Mr. Taylor had done in the Marine Corps. Mr. Taylor served in the 0351 infantry. Mr. Beach asked how long Mr. Taylor had served in the Marine Corps. Mr. Taylor served eight years and eleven months. Mr. Beach asked what the city’s role in attracting new businesses was. Mr. Taylor said the city need to work with the new port authority and work with small business owners.
Ms. Smith thanked Mr. Taylor for his service with the fire department. Ms. Smith asked if Mr. Taylor had any experience with any other board. Mr. Taylor was president of the Cabinet Rifle and Pistol Club for four years.
Mr. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Taylor had any skills that would help the council. Mr. Taylor said he willing to do whatever to make things work, he thinks outside the box. Mr. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Taylor held any other volunteer positions. Mr. Taylor has served on the police commission. Mr. Taylor thanked the council.
The third candidate to speak was DC Orr; 1117 Nevada Ave. Mayor Teske asked if Mr. Orr had been a resident of the City of Libby for 60 days. Mr. Orr said he had. Mayor Teske stated that Mr. Orr’s background check was good. Mayor Teske asked if there was anything in his background he wanted to disclose. Mr. Orr said there was not. Mr. Orr said his family homesteaded in Libby in 1910, his grandchildren are fifth generation to live in Libby. Mr. Orr is retired and he is interested in serving on the council. He wants to help the council be more transparent.
Mr. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Orr served on or volunteered for any organizations. Mr. Orr is involved with his church and with his grandkids.
Ms. Smith appreciates Mr. Orr’s passion for government. Mr. Smith asked what project Mr. Orr worked on with a group of people to reach a common goal. Mr. Orr worked on the amphitheater with the Rotarians. He also worked on the landscaping around the college. Mr. Orr said his church volunteered and put in a beach for the City of Libby.
Mr. Beach asked what kind of jobs Marion Orr excavating did. Mr. Orr said he started working at WR Grace at 15 he was an employee for 10 years. Mr. Orr then bought the family business and continued to operate 20 to 30 years until he retired.
Ms. Williams asked what the city’s role is in economic development. Mr. Orr said government needs to stay out of the way. Mrs. Williams asked was there anything specific the city could do to encourage economic development. Mr. Orr said tax breaks.
Mr. Armstrong asked what special or unique talents Mr. Orr could add to the council. Mr. Orr said he would bring his different viewpoints.
Mr. Zimmerman asked Mr. Orr if he had applied for the port authority board. Mr. Orr said he had not.
Public Comment:
Allen Olsen 33692, US HWY 2 S, said council lost two really good candidates over the last year. The council needs knowledgeable people that attend council meetings. Libby needs the knowledge not your friends, neighbors or drinking buddies. Put your personal feelings aside and do what is best for Libby, not your own agenda. Mr. Olsen said out of the three candidates here tonight, one I have never seen at a council meeting, one has attended a few. One has the knowledge of the cities working business, five years on the council, can work on any committee, is versed on many state and local laws, knows MCA codes and been to more council meetings.
Mayor Teske opened the floor for nomination from the council.
Mayor Teske asked again for any nominations.
Mayor Teske asked council if they were all in agreement there were no nominations from these three nominations.
Mayor Teske said we will move on and repost for the council position.
Mr. Hammons brought all three candidates out. Mr. Teske said that council had purposed not to submit any nominations for either three candidates that applied. Mayor Teske said the council position will be reposted and asked the candidates to please apply again.
Interview and Appoint City County Board of Heath Member.
Mr. John P. Thornton RN, MSM, PHN, the only candidate to replace Lynn Thompson was in attendance. Mr. Thornton resides at 651 Terrace View Road. He has worked at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for over five years and is currently the nurse manger for Emergency Services. Mr. Thornton has a master degree in nursing administration and is certified as a public health nurse. Mr. Thornton has two children and is married.
Mr. Armstrong said Mr. Thornton had a very impressive history.
Ms. Williams asked if Mr. Thornton had attended any heath board meetings and knew the role of the heath board. Mr. Thornton said he had just moved to town from the Yaak, he had not attended any meetings. Mr. Thornton does have knowledge of the public health issue from his role in the ER.
Mr. Beach asked what some health issues that Libby is faced with are. Mr. Thornton said there is a significant increase in the meth usage. Libby has an EMS shortage issue; there are not enough volunteers to cover all shifts.
Ms. Smith asked if Mr. Thornton had served on any other boards. Mr. Thornton has served on different hospital committees. Ms. Smith asked if Mr. Thornton would have the time to serve on the board. Mr. Thornton said he would.
Ms. Williams MADE THE MOTION to appoint John Thornton to the City County Heath Board.
Ms. Smith SECOND.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Interview and appoint Planning.
Two candidates for the position were in attendance to replace Mr. Kenny Rayome. Mr. Mark Andreasen and Mr. Charles McFarland, Mayor Teske asked the candidates to join City Administrator Jim Hammons in the back and they would be summoned one at a time to express their interest in why they would like to be on the planning board.
The first candidate to speak was Mark Andreasen, 596 Parmenter Rd. Mr. Andreasen is originally from St Louis, Missouri. He joined the navy in 1971, went to the Montana State University, graduating with a degree in forestry. Mr. Andreasen worked for the Army Corps of Engineers and volunteers for the parks district, Kootenai Pets for Life and Little League.
Mr. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Andreasen would have time to serve on the board. Mr. Andreasen said he does volunteer for FEMA; he still has interest helping other communities.
Mr. Beach asked if there were issues that need to be addressed on the planning board. Mr. Andreasen could not think of anything.
Mr. Armstrong asked if pursuing any outside work might prevent any work from getting done here. Mr. Andreasen said it would not.
Second candidate to speak was Charles McFarland,69 Avenue B. Mr. McFarland was born on the coast, went to work for pallet company, became the second man in the company retired in 1999 and moved to Libby. Mr. McFarland worked for the Western News, joined the Libby volunteer ambulance, volunteered at the museum.
Mr. Armstrong asked what the most important planning issue is. Mr. McFarland said infrastructure and tying the city in with the county and the port authority.
Mr. Beach asked if Mr. McFarland had attended any planning board meeting. Mr. McFarland said he had.
Ms. Smith NOMINATE Mark Andreasen for the Planning Board position. Mr. Andreasen was the unanimous recommendation from the planning board.
Mr. Armstrong SECOND.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED
Approve new business licenses received to date:
• Best Home Care.
• Colelough General Contracting,
• K.M.C Nuisance Wildlife Management.
• Tina Metcalf.
Mr. Armstrong MADE A MOTION to accept all new business licenses received to date.
Mr. Beach SECOND.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Unfinished Business:
1) Discuss the lights, street and sidewalk committee’s recommendation regarding the school speed zone, move forward to a resolution.
Committee MOVED FORWORD to resolution.
2) Libby Web Site Re-Design.
Mrs. Williams presented council diagrams of how the new draft website will look.
Public Comment: Dee Teske, 804 Michigan, asked if there would be a link to the Chamber of Commerce Web page. Mrs. Williams said there would be.
3) Council Rules and Procedures.
General Comments from the Council:
Mayor Teske said there is an opening on the Planning Board the applicant has to be a city resident.
Mrs. Williams would like to rework the planning board application for use with the council position.
Adjournment:
Ms. Williams MADE A MOTION to adjourn the meeting.
Mr. Beach SECOND.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach and Armstrong voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Meeting was ADJOURNED at 8:55 pm.
______________ Attest; ______________________________
Mayor, Brent Teske Jackie Powell Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer
Transcribed by Audray J. McCollum